Future-Ready at GPS: Career Days and Beyond

 

“When I grow up, I would love to work for NASA in a space station. If I didn’t get that job, then I could do broadcast media because I’m starting to get into sports, I’d get to be on TV, and I’ll kind of be famous,” shared Maddie Lopat, a student at Canyon Rim Elementary and daughter of the school’s principal, Joe Lopat.

Maddie’s dream captures the excitement and imagination Career Days inspire. These events aren’t just about learning about a list of jobs; they’re a chance for students to picture themselves in careers they may never have considered and to see how the skills they’re learning in school today could help them reach those dreams.

Career Days have been a part of education for generations. At GPS, Career Days go back at least 60 years, when students in Gilbert High’s class of 1963 took a trip to visit the Good Samaritan Hospital in Phoenix. What began as a way to learn about career options has transformed into something that helps students explore their interests, understand the skills different careers require, and begin connecting their education to real-world opportunities.

At Canyon Rim Elementary and schools across GPS, that journey includes Career Day. Just before Spring Break, students spent the day rotating through presentations from a wide range of professionals, including farmers, marketing specialists, flight attendants, military police officers, firefighters, an Arizona State Trooper, and so much more. Each speaker shared insights about their career, offering students a glimpse into different industries and the paths it takes to get there.

For many students, the experience was both exciting and eye-opening.

As students move into junior high, those early experiences begin to take on new meaning.

At Desert Ridge Junior High, Career Day intentionally brings together a diverse range of career voices, including professions that require college degrees as well as those rooted in skilled trades. This helps students understand the many career pathways available to them and how each path requires different skills, training, and preparation.

For guest speaker Charles Welsh, a former anatomy professor who traveled from Pittsburgh to participate in Canyon Rim’s Career Day, the impact of Career Day is clear.

“The students were very excited,” Welsh said. “The questions I get from these kids are more emotionally driven and more exciting than what I see in a university setting. This showed a level of excitement that I haven’t seen in years.”

Welsh then went on to say how students are beginning to see themselves in future roles and understand the purpose behind their education.

“I had one student say, ‘I could teach this,’” he added.

Career-focused events help schools build strong connections between families and the community. At GPS Career Days, many of the presenters are parents, relatives, or local professionals who are personally invested in the success of GPS students. In Welsh’s case, that connection meant traveling across the country to speak at his granddaughter’s school.

While Career Days provide important moments of inspiration, they are just one part of a larger mission across Gilbert Public Schools - preparing future-ready graduates.

All GPS schools are committed to preparing students for their futures, and career exploration takes many forms across campuses. From classroom learning and counseling support to campus events and real-world experiences, students are continuously building the skills and awareness they need for life beyond graduation.

At the high school level, the breadth and depth of future-readiness are expanded and more personalized.

Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs also allow students to explore careers in a wide variety of industries, including engineering, biomedical sciences, agriculture, business management, and more. In CTE Programs, students not only gain hands-on experience but also industry certifications to boost their resumes. 

Events like Futures Night at Campo Verde High School give students and families the opportunity to explore college and career options in greater depth, including scholarship research, dual enrollment opportunities, and pathways such as military service, vocational programs, and university study.

Students are also supported by College and Career Readiness Liaisons and/or Career Center Specialists at each high school, who work with students to explore interests, find resources, and prepare for postsecondary opportunities. 

GPS provides districtwide resources like Thrive, a comprehensive guide designed to help students make the most of their high school experience. Through Thrive, students can access career exploration tools, learn about college and career events, explore military and workforce pathways, and find timely resources that support their individual goals.

Together, these support systems help students move beyond simply learning about careers to actively preparing for them while building a clear connection between their interests, their education, and their future plans.

Upcoming career-related events across GPS:

• Career Day at Meridian Elementary - May 1
• Career Day at Harris Elementary - May 13
• Entrepreneur Club Shark Tank Presentations at Quartz Hill Elementary - May 18
• National Guard in Cafeteria at Campo Verde High - April 2
• Futures Night at Campo Verde High - April 14
• Sunsplash Hiring Event in the Quad at Highland High - April 15
• Weekly Military Partner Days at Gilbert High
• Career Week at Greenfield Junior High in Q4

To learn more about Career resources and events, visit GilbertSchools.net/Thrive.